Nevada senior quarterback Colin Kaepernick became the first quarterback in NCAA history to pass for at least 2,000 yards and rush for a minimum of 1,000 yards in the same season for three straight years. He enters the 2011 NFL Draft as an intriguing upside prospect.

In 2010, Kaepernick threw for 3,022 yards, 21 touchdowns and eight interceptions. In addition, he racked up a career-high 1,206 rushing yards and scored 20 times on the ground.

Strengths

• Size (6-foot-4 5/8, 233 pounds)
• Arm strength, pass velocity
• Elite mobility and ability to throw on the run

• Will he make a smooth transition?

  Very good decision maker (career high of just eight interceptions thrown)
• Good character, well-respected team leader
• Upside
• Strong work ethic, dedicated

Weaknesses

• Limited experience taking snaps from under center (came from the pistol offense)
• Will have to learn to make NFL-level reads
• Doesn't maximize his height by throwing side-armed passes; has a bit of a hitch in his throw
• Inconsistent footwork - usually leads to overthrown deep passes
• Inflated production because of the offensive system

Expected draft placement

Kaepernick is an interesting prospect. In the right situation, he could become a star in the NFL. However, his learning curve will be at least a few seasons.

He could probably go as high as the early second round, depending on how the quarterback selections play out in the first round. Several teams should be interested in him, but it will be a surprise if he falls out of the third round. For now, consider the most likely candidates to select him the Buffalo Bills, Minnesota Vikings and Tennessee Titans.